PhD Scholars' Perspectives on One Nation One Election with Social Work Implications for Democratic Governance

The One Nation, One Election (ONOE) is an electoral reform policy proposal that seeks to synchronise national and state elections, replacing the current fragmented electoral model. The policy outlines various benefits related to political, economic, and administrative advances. However, this policy attracts both criticisms and merits from various stakeholders in the country. This study aimed to explore scholars' perceptions of the critical debate surrounding the ONOE policy, with an emphasis on its claims of benefits and criticisms by PhD scholars from Indian universities. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with PhD scholars from Pondicherry University. Thematic analysis was then utilised as the data analysis method to extract themes from the respondents' data. The study resulted in the weakening of the democratic process, the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, the exacerbation of political polarisation, and the questioning of the feasibility of conducting the ONOE. It also underscores the need for an inclusive political system that respects the diverse culture of the Indian nation and prioritises local needs over political consolidation. The results call for an inclusive approach that protects the diversity of the nation, federal values, and local needs while informing actionable social work interventions